Career Center

National Cathedral School is seeking a seasoned professional to become Assistant Head of School for Finance & Operations (AHOSFO), assuming the role in July 2022. Working closely with the Head of School, the AHOSFO serves as a strategic thought partner and as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. NCS is searching for a goal-oriented senior leader who will embrace the culture and values of the institution and will respect the operational pace of an innovative institution with high standards and expectations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide School-wide strategic leadership as well as analysis, and management of the School’s finances, both short and longer term.
• In partnership with the Director of Finance, develop and implement financial and capital strategies that enhance the long-term value of the School and are consistent with the School’s strategic priorities.
• In consultation with the Head of School and the Governing Board, create, administer, monitor, and adapt the School’s strategic financial plan, operating and capital budgets, and other financial matters as needed; provide oversight of the management of the endowment.
• In close partnership with the Head of School, serve as a point person for managing legal issues.
• Support the chairs of the Finance, Investment, Facilities, Audit / Risk Management and Compensation Committees of the School’s Governing Board; prepare and present management, Board and Committee reports.
• Valuate and improve systems, processes, operations, and controls by championing continuous improvement, adopting best practices, and effectively utilizing technology to do so.
• In collaboration with the Director of Finance, manage and actively participate in all Business Office operations including budgeting and accounting, financial modeling and analysis, payroll, human resources, risk management, and benefits, challenging collections cases.
• Supervise the managers, operations, and budgets of Facilities, Dining Services, Rentals, and the School Store.
• Serve as a chief advisor and support to the Head of School on strategic matters, particularly as it relates to finance, operations, and risk management. Serve on the Head of School’s Administrative Team.
• As a member of the PECF Operations Committee, make recommendations regarding decisions of Close wide importance (e.g., insurance programs including property, casualty, medical, and workers’ compensation; benefits, establish expectations of Close wide services)
• Work with the Director of Finance and external auditors as needed to ensure compliance with applicable accounting procedures and standards; oversee and actively participate in the annual audit process.
• Coordinate with the Foundation to ensure the timely and accurate filing of all required financial reports in accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the IRS and other regulatory standards and requirements.
• Support the Head of School and other senior administrators during accreditation reviews.
• Work with colleagues to identify areas in which greater coordination or collaboration can improve the quality or cost-effectiveness of operations, services, and administrative support.
• Collaborate effectively with and provide support for the Office of Advancement and the Office of Admissions.
• Within the School, serve on the Domestic and International Travel Committee and the Financial Aid Committee.
• With the Head of School, serve as point person and maintain positive and effective relationships with the Foundation and the institutions on the Close.
• Complete annual surveys and reports for benchmarking purposes.
• Maintain appropriate professional memberships and represent NCS at related meetings and conferences.
• Attend Board meetings as a senior staff member.
• Work collegially; must be committed to working in a diverse community and have the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations; must enjoy working with young people in a school environment.
• Demonstrate an interest in social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work and participate in professional development as related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work.

Desired Qualities and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, MBA or CPA preferred.
• 10-15 years of senior-level experience creating and executing financial planning and management strategies.
• Outstanding leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively and proactively with all members of the community, the Head of School, and the Board to evaluate and improve business processes and operations and to advance the mission of the School.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team of senior direct reports in diverse administrative and operational areas.
• A passion for innovation and experience as a relentless problem-solver who takes initiative and contributes as a business-oriented strategic thinker.
• A nuanced understanding of the complexities of an independent school.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.

To Apply

NCS is committed to leadership in multicultural education and a culturally diverse faculty and staff. The school therefore seeks applications from candidates who will contribute to an atmosphere in which all are valued and supported. Interested and qualified candidates are invited to read the full description here and to contact the consultants in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position;
• A current résumé;
• A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:

John G. Clark

Senior Search Consultant

john.clark@carneysandoe.com

National Cathedral School requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any boosters recommended and available to the general public, absent eligibility for medical or religious exemptions.

National Cathedral School serves 593 students in grades 4 through 12. Faculty and staff are curious intellectually, flexible, and collaborative, and they view education as an engaging vocation. Our students are engaged, fun, and kind, and they love to be challenged and viewed as confident individuals. Faculty and staff maintain a lively conversation about the meaning of an excellent education, an interest in pedagogy, and innovative uses of technology. As an Episcopal school, NCS welcomes people of all backgrounds and faiths while maintaining a close identity with Washington National Cathedral's commitment to being a house of prayer for all people.